A Parable is a type of analogy presented in a simple spoken or written form, without extraneous detail or distracting circumstances, that generally feature human characters to illustrate a universal moral or spiritual truth. This narrative generally relates a single, simple, consistent action that often involves a character facing a moral dilemma, or making a questionable decision and then suffering the consequences.

These are spoken in the format used of parables and like many others have a very specific application. They are listed for your evaluation. Matt 13:34 & Mark 4:11, 33-34 state there are no exceptions. Therefore Jesus' public discourses in John's gospel must use parables, too.

Psa 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.

Matt 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables. 13 And he said unto them (His disciples), Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark 4:33-34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.